With its glittering coastline, spectacular medieval cities and untouched natural wonders, Croatia is arguably Europe’s most diverse and exciting destination. The food and wine are pretty good too!
Docked in the Elafiti Islands (Drfeamstime)
Cruise the Dalmatian Coast from Šibenik to Zadar aboard a stylish and comfortable Turkish-built gulet with Peter Sommer Travels.
Quieter and less frequented than the south, the region offers a dazzling mosaic of cultural and historical attractions. It is a land of verdant landscapes and sparkling seascapes, delicious local culinary delights and breathtaking architecture. A cruise offers a quieter, more intimate and more off-the-beaten-track take on Dalmatia and its wonderful cuisine, all in the company of an expert guides.
Enjoy the full panorama of the beauty and fascination of this ancient land.
Trip: Cruising the Dalmatian Coast: from Šibenik to Zadar
Who: Peter Sommer Travels
When: Sep
How long: 7 days
How much: From £3,350 (exc. flights)
Cycling round Rovinj, Istria (Dreamstime)
Ride through timeless hilltop villages and sample wonderful food and excellent Istrian wines on this gourmet cycling tour through Northern Croatia with KE Adventure Travel.
Following coastal trails and famous wine roads, this is a breathtaking journey from Buje to Pula, including an unforgettable ride along the atmospheric rail line of the Parenzana. The pace is relaxed, giving you plenty of time to explore the coastal gems of Porec, Rovinj and Pula - and ample opportunity to sample the local produce!
Trip: Cycle the Wine Roads of Istria
Who: KE Adventure Travel
When: May, Sep-Oct
How long: 7 days
How much: From £1,095
The waterfalls in Plitvice National Park (Dreamstime)
Explore the extraordinary beauty and variety of Croatia’s national parks on this 8-day walking holiday with Tucan Travel.
Walking two to five hours each day, you will trek around the stunning blue lakes in Plitvice National Park, through the forests of Risnjak National Park and the mountains of Northern Velebit National Park. You will stay stay in a traditional guesthouse in Korana Village and encounter age-old traditions and customs throughout your stay.
This is a walk through Croatian history and culture and its most beautiful natural treasures.
Trip: Walking Croatian National Parks
Who: Tucan Travel
When: Departures Aug-Sep
How long: 8 days
How much: From £549 (exc. flights)
Local life in Dalmatia (G Adventures)
Here’s your chance to live life the Croatian way on this local living experience in southern Dalmatia with G Adventures.
On this weeklong sojourn to rural Croatia, you’ll walk, bike, and sail all over Dubrovnik before retiring to your rustic villa home for the evening. Here, with full access to local wine and olive oil and a farm villa to reside in, you’ll live like a local, eating fantastic food, drinking fabulous wine and making memories that will last a lifetime.
Trip: Local Living Croatia – Southern Dalmatia
Who: G Adventures
When: Departures May-Aug
How long: 7 days
How much: From £1,105 (exc. flights)
Catamaran docked in a bay with restaurant in Croatia (Dreamstime)
Jump aboard a modern catamaran for an unforgettable weekend sailing the Dalmatian coast with Artisan Travel.
You’ll spend three days sailing the calm and peaceful Adriatic, exploring some of the greenest islands on Croatia’s beguiling Dalmatian Coast. There’ll be plenty of opportunities to try paddle boarding, snorkelling, swimming and cycling, as well as the chance to sample the region’s legendary food and wine.
Each evening, you will moor near small villages and towns where you can stroll along the seafront and enjoy the harbourside bars and restaurants. There are few things as good in life as watching the sun setting over the Adriatic, while sipping your very own sundowner.
Trip: Adventure Sailing Weekend on the Dalmatian Coast
Who: Artisan Travel
When: Sep
How long: 3 nights
How much: From £585 (exc. flights)
Traditional Balkan feast (Dreamstime)
Discover why the Balkans are the next big thing in food on this epic foodie holiday through Croatia, Montenegro and Macedonia with Intrepid.
You’ll picnic on the lush banks of the Treska River in Macedonia, sip a traditional fermented drink, boza, with the village women of Janche, enjoy a traditional barbecue in Kosovo and dine on a home-grown meal in the private garden of a Dihovo family in Kotor.
Each step of the way you’ll learn to prepare traditional meals, sample local cheeses and wines and experience extraordinary hospitality. You certainly won’t leave this real food adventure hungry!
Trip: The Balkans Real Food Adventure
Who: Intrepid
When: Departures May-Sep
How long: 12 days
How much: From £1,700 (exc. flights)
Dubrovnik from the south (Dreamstime)
Spend a week exploring the hidden corners of Dubrovnik and the delights of the nearby Elafiti Islands on this Dalmatian walking adventure with Ramblers Walking Holidays.
In Dubrovnik you’ll venture beyond the well-trodden tourist paths, up narrow cobbled paths to the upper alleys where people still live as they always have. Next, a cable car will whisk you above the city to the summit of Mount Srd, offering panoramic views of the city below and tracks leading deeper into the mountains.
Finally, you’ll explore the nearby Elafiti islands and experience traditional Adriatic life. Ston has the second longest defensive walls in the world (second to the Great Wall of China) and there are countless tiny churches and local markets overflowing with fruit and vegetables. Whichever time of year you decide to visit, the half-forgotten trails of the countryside, the Elafiti Islands, Mount Srd will charm and delight.
Trip: A week around Dubrovnik
Who: Ramblers Walking Holidays
When: Departures Apr-May & Sep-Dec
How long: 7 days
How much: From £1,035 (exc. flights)
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